MSC Seashore passengers experienced a minor scare on the first night of their 7-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruise as reports of smoke and electrical issues surfaced on social media.
The 170,412-gross-ton vessel, which departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, on December 8, 2024, was en route to MSC Cruises’ private Ocean Cay resort in the Bahamas when the incident occurred.
Guests shared their experiences online, with one posting, “Elevators are shut down, some of the boat smells like smoke. Anyone else know anything?” Another passenger reported hearing two loud bangs followed by a “sizzling” sound and noticing smoke near Deck 18 Aft that smelled like an electrical fire.
Further reports from guests suggested the ship was relying on generator power, with dining rooms temporarily closed.
One passenger said, “The galley does not have complete power. The dining rooms are closed. Internet on board is spotty. Parts were shipped to Ocean Cay overnight from the Bahamas and they’re flying a part in. The crew is doing an amazing job.”
MSC Cruises confirmed that a small electrical fire had occurred but was quickly contained.
A spokesperson for the cruise line stated, “On the evening of December 8, a small electrical fire was reported in the emergency generator room on an upper deck of the ship and was swiftly extinguished, with no injuries reported.”
The cruise line assured guests that the ship’s itinerary would remain unchanged, with no impact on the remaining ports of call.
The ship is continuing its planned route, visiting Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, before returning to Port Canaveral on December 15.
Passengers onboard MSC Seashore have praised the crew for their professionalism and quick response. The ship, which debuted in 2021, is equipped with comprehensive fire safety measures, including advanced fire suppression systems and trained firefighting teams.
Procedures in place to deal with onboard fires
Electrical fires on cruise ships can occur for several reasons, including overheating, power surges, frayed wiring, or overloaded circuits.
The constant vibration and movement of a ship can also contribute to wear and tear on electrical systems, making regular maintenance crucial.
Unlike on land, where emergency services can arrive quickly, cruise ships must be self-sufficient when dealing with onboard fires.
Fires can spread rapidly in confined spaces, and if electrical fires affect navigation or propulsion systems, a ship’s operations can be severely impacted.
To manage such risks, modern cruise ships like MSC Seashore are equipped with extensive fire detection and suppression systems. This includes cameras, smoke and heat detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and fire hoses.
MSC Cruises uses a “Hi-Fog high-pressure water mist fire protection system,” which deploys a fine water mist at high velocity to suppress and extinguish fires.
This is not the first time MSC Cruises has faced an onboard fire. In June 2024, an electrical fire broke out in the laundry room of MSC Armonia as it arrived in Venice, Italy. Local firefighters were called to assist, but no injuries were reported, and the cruise itinerary continued as planned.
The quick containment of the electrical fire aboard MSC Seashore demonstrates the effectiveness of modern fire safety systems and the preparedness of trained crew members.
With no injuries reported and no changes to the itinerary, guests can look forward to the rest of their cruise to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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